People: Law firm hires Slater and Gordon and Bevan Brittan partners; Lord Digby Jones joins board of communications firm; and more

Birmingham-based Anthony Collins Solicitors has recruited and promoted new partners, helping expand the social-purpose law firm’s local government, social care, family and social business divisions.

Joining the 320-strong firm as one of three new partners is Tim Coolican, previously of Slater and Gordon, where he specialised in criminal and regulatory law. Coolican brings more than 21 years’ experience to Anthony Collins Solicitors and is heading up a regulatory team focusing on the social care and housing sectors.

The second partner joining the firm is local government property specialist Sandy Munroe, who arrives from Bevan Brittan. Building on previous experience as head of property, Munroe’s new position will see her work with the firm’s local government clients, advising on a range of matters relating to complex property development transactions, portfolio management and disposals.

The third partner appointment is lawyer Chris Lloyd-Smith who has been at Anthony Collins Solicitors for four years. As one of three fully accredited family mediators at the firm – the only mediators located in the Central Birmingham area – and a Board Member of the West Midlands Resolution, he has an influential role not only in shaping policy, but advising clients on new law developments.

The final external recruit for Anthony Collins Solicitors is Ian Snaith, hired by the firm from DWF as a social business consultant. The social business sector is one of continued growth for Anthony Collins Solicitors, which last year won a three-year contract with Co-operatives UK to provide legal surgeries to hundreds of its member businesses.

Peter Hubbard, senior partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors, said: “The past several months have been incredibly exciting for Anthony Collins Solicitors, with the firm publishing its first ever Social Impact Report, opening our Manchester office and securing instructions on some nationally significant projects at the forefront of public and social policy.

“We are thrilled to have Sandy, Tim and Ian join the team as well as recognising Chris’ leadership role. Not only do they all share our passion for instilling positive change, but each brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will prove invaluable as we continue to grow.”

:::

Worcestershire creative communications group DRPG has appointed Lord Digby Jones to its board as a non-executive director.

Lord Jones will help to support the company in its vision and growth plans in his advisory role to the DRPG board.

He was director general of the CBI and Overseas Trade and Investment Minister, he is often seen on TV commentating on business issues and is a sitting Lord, non-aligned, cross-bench Peer in the House of Lords.

“Digby brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts from around the globe” says Dale Parmenter CEO of DRPG. “We have known Digby for many years and it just  felt the right time for him to become our first non-exec director. We are currently in a huge growth pattern – in the last 2 years we doubled the size of the business and opened offices in Germany, America and Ireland. We need that big picture view that Digby can bring as we head for £100M turnover by 2023.”

Lord Jones said. “I’ve gotten to know the DRPG team over the years and have watched them grow into a force in the industry, I just know I can help and support them enter the next phase in their growth and it’s hugely exciting to be a part of it.”

:::

Gowling WLG has appointed six partners based at its Birmingham office.

The law firm’s latest promotions round sees Daniel Leather, Toni Weston,Helen Davenport, Kieran Laird, Christopher Stiles and Joanne Tibbott join the partnership.

The international law firm’s latest round of promotions will see Daniel Leather, Toni Weston, Catherine Naylor, Helen Davenport, Sam Beighton, Kieran Laird, Jocelyn Paulley, Christopher Stiles, Joanna Tibbott, and Gaëlle Le Breton all join the partnership on 1 May 2019.

Gowling WLG chief executive David Fennell said: “Our new partners are all outstanding lawyers and business advisers, with a wealth of expertise in their respective areas, consistently delivering a first class service to our clients.

“Their diverse skills and experience will enhance Gowling WLG’s support to clients around the world and the continued growth of the firm.”

The promotions follow the lateral hires of Ben Stansfield (planning), Ian Mason (financial services regulation), Barbara Jouffa (Corporate M&A / private equity) and Antoine Pampouille (banking and finance) into the partnership in the last 12 months.